Treasure Coast - Monday November 7, 2022: Sub-Tropical Storm Nicole is an unwelcome reminder that the hurricane season lasts through November 30th.
As of 8 am Monday morning Florida Public Radio Emergency Network meteorologist Justin Ballard reported Nicole's winds were at 45 MPH, not terribly strong at this time "but the wind filed is massive" he said. "Its a couple of hundred miles across." The system is not well organized yet, the center of low pressure is further to the west of the maximum winds, "so its a little off-center," said Ballard.
By late Wednesday evening the east coast of Florida should start feeling gusty winds. Then by early Thursday morning, before sunrise, winds could be as high as 70 to 74 MPH. "This could certainly come ashore as a low end CAT 1 Hurricane, or a higher end Tropical Storm," said Ballard.
"Significant Impacts"
Wherever the center of the low pressure tracks ashore, said Ballard, storm surge is expected to have a "significant impact", especially north of the center's landfall. Coastal flooding, coastal erosion, heavy rain and gusty winds should all be expected throughout Thursday.
East coast residents should have their hurricane plan in place, today and no later than tomorrow is the last chance to make storm preparations before the weather deteriorates, said Ballard.
Florida Division of Emergency Management (FDEM)
The Florida Division of Emergency Management has issued notice that it is closely watching the storm.
“I encourage all Floridians to be prepared and make a plan,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “We will continue to monitor the path and trajectory."
FDEM Director Kevin Guthrie said “It is critical for Floridians to review their disaster preparedness plans and follow all directions from local officials in anticipation of potential impacts.”
No-Cost and Low-Cost Preparedness Measures for Floridians
• Make a Plan – Every household should have a disaster plan specific to the needs of their household, including consideration of children, pets and seniors. Every individual in the household should assist in developing the emergency plan and understand the plan. Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Family-Plan for more information.
• Know Your Zone, Know Your Home – It’s important for residents to know if they live in an evacuation zone, a low-lying, flood-prone area, a mobile home or an unsafe structure during hurricane season. It is also very important for residents to know their home and its ability to withstand strong winds and heavy rain. This information will help residents better understand orders from local officials during a storm. Visit FloridaDisaster.org/Know for more information.
• Have Multiple Ways to Receive Weather Alerts – Every household should have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and follow all directions from local officials. Residents are encouraged to have a battery-operated or hand-crank weather radio to ensure they can continue to receive alerts from the National Weather Service in the event of power outages or damaged cell towers.
• Keep Gas Tanks Half Full – Residents should keep their vehicle’s gas tanks at least half full during hurricane season to ensure they have enough fuel to evacuate as soon as possible without worrying about long lines at gas stations and to avoid gas shortages prior to a storm. For Floridians with electric vehicles, it’s recommended that the battery be maintained between 50% - 80% capacity at all times, depending on the type of vehicle and what the vehicle’s manual recommends. Visit FloridaDisaster.org/HalfwayFull for more information.
Visit: FloridaDisaster.org/Info to find information on shelters, road closures, evacuation routes and more.